Tonight's picture was taken in September of 2008. This maybe one of my favorite photos of Mattie while he was in the hospital. It was taken early on in his treatment. That day, my friend Susan came to visit Mattie. With her, she brought a kit. The kit had clay, a plastic pick, goggles, and plastic dinosaur bones buried into the clay. Literally Mattie had to go on a dig through the clay to reveal the bones and then assemble them to form the dinosaur you see before you in this photo. It took Mattie hours of digging and assembling. He was exhausted after it was over, but he thoroughly enjoyed the project. He found it engaging, stimulating, and gave him something to focus and concentrate on. He got lost in the project and forgot about cancer for a while. The hospital room was transformed into an archaeological site, with sheets on the floor capturing clay and dust. Mattie loved it! I found the whole scene so priceless and his finished product so meaningful, that I snapped this quiet moment of success!
Quote of the day: Nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, difficulty… I have never in my life envied a human being who led an easy life. I have envied a great many people who led difficult lives and led them well. ~ Theodore Roosevelt
Peter and I are running around today getting ready for the Georgetown Gala. I promise to take photos and to also share my speech with you on Sunday. I included two links below that maybe of interest. One is some history about the Gala and the other is specific information posted on the Gala website about Mattie Miracle being the Flame of Hope recipient. Thank you so much for your emails of support and encouragement. This is a big day for Mattie Miracle!
http://pediatricsgala.georgetown.edu/history
http://pediatricsgala.georgetown.edu/flameaward
I would like to end tonight's posting with a message from my mom............
The day of the big event has finally arrived. It is a
wonderful opportunity to connect with new potential donors. You have the
charisma and intelligence to move and inspire people to be their best and to
use their time and treasure to make this a better world. It is our fondest wish
that in receiving the "Flame of Hope" Award that Mattie will be
beaming from his perch in heaven as he hears you make the case for Mattie Miracle and
raise awareness for the psychosocial needs of children with cancer that face the
trauma of invasive treatment and isolation. We hope this gala evening will
bring attention and exposure to Mattie Miracle and
its hard work and reflect your passion for the cause. You deserve this
recognition for all the good you have made possible for these children and may
your efforts continue to be the clarion call that gives voice to this otherwise
unseen need. Your speech will connect you to your audience and we know there
will not be a dry eye in the place when
you finish. You have the power to communicate and tonight that power will
shine. Good luck!
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